Studio Bell, National Music Centre: Part 1

As one of the newest attractions in the East Village, Studio Bell, home to the National Music Centre, has quickly become one of the must-see locations in Calgary, Alberta. With five levels to explore, in addition to theatre, event, classroom, and broadcast space, Studio Bell hosts a variety of exhibitions and interactive displays that celebrate music in Canada. 

From musical instruments to artist memorabilia to vintage recording equipment, at Studio Bell you'll also find the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Collection, and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. While the exhibits are certainly a reason to visit, the architecture of Studio Bell is nothing short of incredible. The design of the structure included the preservation of the historic King Edward Hotel (the King Eddy) which has a reputation as one of Calgary's historic live music venues. 

On a personal note, I loved seeing exhibits featuring a lot of Canadian artists that I've actually had the opportunity to photograph in concert, like the Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies, Joel Plaskett, and Tom Cochrane (to name a few). A lot of work has clearly gone in to making this museum dynamic, engaging, and a new landmark for Calgary. Studio Bell is one of those places that you just have to see for yourself, if for no other reason than to get lost in the amazing vantage points you'll find throughout this distinct building.